Kristin began her career in the Peabody Public Schools as a special education teacher at the Peabody Integrated Preschool from 1991 to 2000. Her classroom served children aged three to five with intellectual, emotional, and/or physical disabilities, alongside typically developing peers. These early experiences led Kristin to a leadership role, and in 2000, she became the Director of the Peabody Integrated Preschools, a position she held until her retirement in 2021. During her more than two decades of tenure, Kristin was a steadfast advocate for children.

She exemplified what it means to be an outstanding educator.  She has a profound knowledge of child development, she is remarkably adaptability in times of change and has a tireless dedication to collaboration. Her grace and flexibility – especially when working with families facing complex challenges – made her not just a leader, but a source of strength and reassurance for so many. She has mentored countless educators and support staff with patience and wisdom, always centering the needs of children in every decision.  The positive ripple effects of her work are still felt every day in the lives of the children and families she serves.

Tom Gould is a name that everyone knows in the community, not just because he is a City Councilor, or the owner of the owner of Treadwell’s Ice Cream, but rather because he cares deeply for the community he serves and is dedicated to making Peabody the best that it can be.  He also has been an advocate for children with special needs and his dedication to the Peabody Challenger program is beyond compare.  His concept of bringing the community together through active engagement with those in need is unsurpassed.

As a long-standing Board member of the Peabody Education Foundation, Tom has brought a powerful belief in the PEF’s mission to our community and to his civic life.  A passionate volunteer, and a gracious philanthropist, Tom has brought the courage of his conviction to the City through his exemplary service and visionary leadership. Tom’s legacy is defined by the countless lives he’s touched and the values he has instilled across our City.

Linda is honored for her distinguished thirty-year career within the Peabody Public School system, with most of her tenure spent at Higgins Middle School. During her time there, she made an enduring impact by founding and managing the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program, establishing the Higgins Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, and introducing the Odyssey of the Mind/Destination Imagination initiatives. Her legacy is evident in the countless students whose lives and careers have been profoundly shaped by her guidance and dedication.

Linda had a keen eye for identifying and nurturing the best in all of her students.  She wanted her students to excel, and she found creative and innovative ways to make that happen.  Linda’s legacy is the passion for learning that she instilled throughout the school district.  Peabody is a better community and the City is a lot richer due to the talents that she fostered in our students.